Bentota is a tourist town with a great river, beach and inland attractions, situated on the south west coast of Sri Lanka.
The long sandy Bentota Beach stretches from the south to the north where it becomes a delightful tropical soft sand beach known as Paradise Island, running parallel to Bentota River. Coral-rich with tropical fish dive sites abound by Canoe Rock.
Bentota River has the centuries-old “Galapota Temple” which has a huge Buddha statue accessible by land and river.
Ideally located midway between the major cities :
- 65 kilometres (40 mi) south of Colombo
- 56 kilometres (35 mi) north of Galle
The main town of Bentota is situated to the south of the Bentota River (Bentota Ganga) and enjoys one of the longest beaches on the island.
Bentota peninsular features top hotels and is located between the river and the beach. There is also a tourist airport at the end nearest the sea.
The name of the town is derived from a mythical story which claims ‘Ben’ ruled the “tota” or river bank in ancient times.
Bentota is a famous tourist area with good transport connections
- Local airport Bentota River Airport
- Two railway stations connecting the capital to the south coast
- Coastal road
- Highway connecting the capital to Matara on the south coast
There are some world-class hotels offering international standard of guest service and local hotels many of which are western owned / managed and giving relaxing experiences to high standards.
It is a destination for water sports.
windsurfing, para-sailing and jet skiing
Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda.
Bentota is famous for its toddy production, an alcoholic beverage made out of coconut nectar.
It also has a turtle hatchery, located on Induruwa beach.
Thrilling river safaris along the river grant visitors access to cinnamon plantations, nature resorts and temples which are further inland.
An unmissable experience would be a visit to the residencies of two of Sri Lanka’s most famous personalities.
- Geoffrey Bawa, the internationally renowned Sri Lankan architect built his luxurious country estate Lunuganga in Bentota.
- Bevis Bawa the equally famous brother. a landscape artist designed Brief Gardens, a 5 acre landscaped garden featuring male beauty discretely incorporated in the landscape of the gardens – a pioneer of gender equality to Sri Lanka .
Both estates are open to the public and a visit to the Bentota would not be complete without a visit to Lunuganga and Brief Gardens.